Google alters name of disputed South China Sea reef

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A screenshot of Google Maps taken on July 15 shows the disputed area, labeled as the Scarborough Shoal

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Google says it has altered its map of a disputed reef in the South China Sea

Google changed the name after complaints from people living in the Philippines

Disputed area is now labeled the Scarborough Shoal on the map site

Hong Kong (CNN)Google says it has altered its map of a disputed reef in the South China Sea, removing its Chinese name in favor of what it says is its internationally recognized moniker.

Google changed the name to Scarborough Shoal after objections from people living in the Philippines. A petition posted on Change.org said Google Maps had identified the territory as part of China's Zhongsha Islands.

The shoal, which Filipinos call Panatag, is part of a number of islands and reefs in the area being claimed by several countries, including the Philippines.